Bodega Profile – J. Portugal Ramos Vinhos S.A. – Alentejo

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Although I haven’t had the privilege of meeting João Portugal Ramos, I’ve heard rumors that he’s an upstanding guy. Read any article on either bodega or João himself, and you’ll rarely read anything less than positive feedback. He’s known as a gentleman, an innovator, a great politician and a person for who will go out of his way to promote not only his own wines, but also the wines of his brethren.

Rarely is a good wine the result of chance. My experience as oenologist suggests that a given wine reflects the nature of the earth from which it is born and of those who produce it.

Creating a wine is an art that we have been perfecting in Portugal for centuries, nowadays reinforced by systematic, documented knowledge and improved methods.

Skill, experience and technology enable us to improve – with a high level of precision – the different factors that influence the personality of a wine.

For me, helping Portugal’s natural potential in this area to shine by creating and reinventing each wine is a passion that I now have the pleasure of introducing to you and sharing with you in each wine that I make. ~João Portugal Ramos

Through technology, we have all learned quite rapidly that as the world becomes more interlinked, the notion of community has changed. If a winery chooses to be a lone soldier, they will be forced to watch their competitors soar above them at remarkable speeds, because only through supporting our neighbors, will our own business thrive. It appears that our friend João Portugal Ramos caught on to this idea well before it was popular and has stood by his convictions ever since.

After becoming an oenologist in 1980, João created Consulvinus (consul = to consult, vinus = wine) with the intention of offering local cooperatives in Alentejo the benefit of his acquired knowledge. By the late 1980s, his simple one man show extended well past the borders of the Alentejo into Ribatejo, Península de Setúbal, Dão, Beiras, Estremadura and Douro. In addition to his thriving consulting business, he was also dabbling into the elaboration of renowned Portuguese wines while revitalizing both regions and grape varietals that were falling off the consumer charts.

After 20 years of consulting, João Portugal Ramos created a mega-winery in 1997 spanning 9,000 square meters in Borba (Alentejo) containing every modern piece of winemaking equipment imaginable, including a bottling plant. The cellar of the winery houses over 2,000 French, Portuguese and American oak barrels that are filled with only foot trodden wines.

And of the numerous wines that he produces, many under his João Portugal Ramos brand, the Marques de Borba is made in the traditional Portuguese style. A blend of primarily Trincadeira, Aragónez (Tempranillo) and Castelão, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet, the grapes are treaded by foot in stone troughs, called lagares, that are traditional in the Douro for Port production. The process is carried out for approximately 30 to 45 minutes twice a day until the alcoholic fermentation is complete.

Ryan and I have only had the opportunity to try the Marques de Borba Tinto 2005 and the Marques de Borba Tinto Reserva 2003. Both wines elegantly express a profound yet inherent complexity of aroma and flavor from its three main grapes: earthiness from Trincadeira, red fruit from Aragónez and herbal notes from Castelão. They are full bodied and dry in the mouth with firm tannins that eventually taper off to a silky, fine finish. That said the Reserva in this case seemed a bit more interested in oak flavors and seemed to step all over the rich fruit that was hiding in the background. A day of being open did not change this, and despite this the wine was enjoyable if not particularly to our style.

MarquÃƒÂªs de Borba 2005Red wine produced by João Portugal Ramos in Alentejo, PortugalNote: Delicate raspberry with subtle glints of dark cranberry. Clear and transparent with a bright aromatic bouquet of red forest fruit, soft spice and slightly earthy undertones. It’s a balanced and well integrated showing an array of dark fruit preserves on the palate with subtle herb and cassis notes all conforming together to create a bright, medium body with great acidity and a lush mouthfeel. Think white meat dishes, pasta or warm consume soups on a chilly fall day. (Tasted on October 13, 2007)MarquÃƒÂªs de Borba Reserva 2003Red wine produced by João Portugal Ramos in Alentejo, PortugalNote: Dark cranberry red with less concentration but equivalent clarity as the non-reserva. The nose is a dead ringer for typical cellar aromas of ancient dust intermingling with wet oak, cement and an overwhelming bouquet of red fruit. This wine is complex, intriguing in it’s presentation and an overall fabulous experience. As you open pandora’s box, aromas of big blooming violets emerge in front of cinnamon, clove, cassis, white pepper, wood and charcoal. Firm tannins that seem to hold tight for hours on end, but eventually ease to unveil rich ripe red fruit, rich black spices and a touch of black earth. Remain cautious when pairing this wine with food, because although the acidity is bright, the concentration of this wine needs rich meat dishes, thick stews or even cheese laden lasagna. (Tasted on October 17, 2007)

Ryan’s Tasting Notes

MarquÃƒÂªs de Borba 2005Red wine produced by João Portugal Ramos in Alentejo, PortugalNote: Light ruby red color, like a jewel in it’s clarity. First thing I think of on the nose is fresh raspberries from my grandpa’s garden, fresh and soft, with notes of oak, leather, clove all subtle and well integrated. The palate continues this trend with a fresh acidty and soft mouthfeel. The raspberries are back but this time they come with light touches of blueberry and dusty oak. Tannins are soft and well integrated. As far as a drinking wine this is a nice treat that is soft enough to pair well with a good pasta dish or lighter meats.(Tasted on October 13, 2007)

MarquÃƒÂªs de Borba Reserva 2003Red wine produced by João Portugal Ramos in Alentejo, PortugalNote: Deeper ruby color not more intense, just more concentrated than it’s little brother. The nose is intense rich and reminds me of a small cellar of aging oak barrels all filled with wine. The fruit on this wine seems huge, but hidden behind a wall of wood, smoke, spice, and dried violets. Time will tell how this wine evolves. In the mouth this wine is rich and thick with tannins that coat the wall of my mouth like a painter who chooses a pallatte knife rather than a brush. Medium acidity and a pureness of fruit keep this wine drinkable, and it’s after a bit of air that the cherries, raspberries and white pepper begin to show. Lush and alive, soft and inviting, this wine is a breath of fresh air in a sea of heavy red monsters. Large and yet graceful, I might go grab some Pork loin to braise, or maybe a duck breast.
EDIT – Following day, the Oak becomes more a more pronounced. Really a shame with so much good fruit, to have the wood become such a strong part of this wine.(Tasted on October 13, 2007)

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This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.

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About Gabriella Opaz

Born and bred in Chicago, Gabriella is the co-founder and Editor-and-Chief of Catavino. As an award-winning speaker and writer, she uses stories to create a human connection between worlds that would otherwise never converge. Her recently published book, "The Undiscovered Food Stories of Northern Portugal" was inspired by the alluring grandmother stories inside Porto's centenarian open-air market, Mercado Bolhão.

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Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. Ryan and his team of angels of Catavino created an absolute exceptional itinerary for our group of 10 from Minnesota. From our first winery visit to grape stomping to our splendid view from our hotel in the Douro Valley, the Catavino team left no details behind. We were treated like esteemed guests everywhere we went and even treated like family is more like it! I'm going through withdrawal and plan to go back with the whole family in the near future. One of our guests summed it up like this during one of our lunches, "Patti, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Just when I think I had the best day ever, the next day is even better!"
I highly recommend anyone, whether it's the two of you or a group, to look no further than Ryan and Catavino who will customize and personalize an itinerary that will surprise and delight you beyond your wildest dreams. Amen

This was our second trip to Portugal. Catavino tweaked the itinerary to complement what we had done before. We would go back again!
The personal treatment we received from winery owners, restaurant owners, shop keepers was like no other trip we have ever taken.
5 stars- Catavino knows Portugal's wine country like no other!

A week like no other. Catavino designed an amazing tour for our private group. Ryan Opaz's personal relationship with so many in the wine/food industry allows for intimate experiences everywhere we went, unlike anything we have experienced before. Lisbon, the Duoro, Porto...all were fascinating. Catavino can design trips of any length and scope to suit your criteria. Obrigada!

Catavino is Ryan Opaz. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. There is a team behind the scenes. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture.
We enjoyed three days with Ryan as he guided us through the Douro Valley and the ancient town of Porto. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version.
Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. You will not get a stock tour: you will get an experience tailored to your interests and tastes.
Ryan will take you to places you cannot enter as a tourist on your own. The guides in the Quintas and Port Houses learn from Ryan, not the other way around.
American? Yes. Portuguese? Yes. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal.
Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. You must get to know Catavino.

What an amazing trip with a fantastic group of people. It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. Our guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgable and brought great enthusiasm to the experience.

Fantastic tour of the Portugal wine country organized and conducted by the Catavino team. Echoing the comments of the previous reviews below, my wife and I experienced one memorable experience topped each day by the next memorable experience. A week of friendship, learning and interacting all in an environment that was stimulating and stress free. Kudos to Catavino for a wonderful and supremely well organized trip.

Our Fall Harvest trip through the Douro valley led by Ryan Opaz and organized by the talented team at Catavino was truly a once in a lifetime experience (well maybe twice)! This was an ongoing visual and sensory experience from start to finish with several “pinch yourself” moments along the way. Like most learning experiences I feel like I’ve retained a fraction of what I learned about the wines and cuisine or Portugal. I guess that’s a reason to do it again

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

The Catavino team is world class. A tour with them is guaranteed to be something that you won't forget.
They show you a true picture of what goes on, busting myths about the wine and port industry to show you the real side of Douro. Their level of knowledge is incredible, and we had access to wine tasting, grape stomping and meet the faces behind the wine industry. I can't even begin to describe the amazing lunch at the farm, overlooking the most spectacular views that only the Douro provides - breath taking!!
It is guaranteed to be filled with passion and love, leaving you with a yearning to come back time and time again.
Can't recommend this enough.

My husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. He is extremely knowledgeable and helped us learn to appreciate Port. Beyond the wonderful private tasting sessions, he also brought us to a delicious lunch at a local Portuguese restaurant. Throughout the entire day, he provided us with tips and recommendations for the remainder of our journey throughout Portugal. The whole day was the highlight of our trip! We would HIGHLY recommend it!

Ana arranged a trip for my client through Portugal. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! I felt very good about having her in Catavino's hands. Thank you for introducing her to Portugal in such a wonderful manner.

I can only second the comments written here. Catavino is highly professional and will stop at nothing to give you an incredible, unforgettable time. All the biggest highlights from my recent trip to Portugal and Spain were made possible by Catavino. I know how much work goes into it- thank you so much Ryan and team. I'd trust you with my holidays any time.

We were part of the 2016 Harvest Tour and had the experience of a lifetime! The Douro Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and our guides were wonderful. Ryan and Gabriella must have called in all of their personal favors because we met and drank wine with many winemakers, a wine shop owner and tasted '72 port which Oscar Quevedo's grandfather had made. Doesn't get any more special than that! Of course, gourmet food at every meal as well. We'll be back!!

When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & offered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.

No enough words, even for a wordsmith like me, to say how wonderful it was spending time with Gabriella and Ryan. Our tour with Ryan as our guide to the Douro Valley was spectacular. Excellent wines, wonderful views, terrific people and a delightful lunch topped off with a lovely boat ride. Highly recommended!!

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This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.